Oat has been consumed as a popular cereal grain for thousands of years and the young milky oat tops are a favorite among herbalists for their calming and nutritive properties. The way it’s used therapeutically is different than the “common oat” that we think of in our oatmeal and other foods, although it comes from the same plant. Oatstraw is referred to as the whole plant, and Milky Oat Tops are as the name states, just the top. I personally only use the Tops in my formulas, and I use ones that were harvested in the milky stage.
At the immature stage of growth, the tops of the grass exudes a white milky substance that serves as one of the best restorative tonics for our nervous system. Some say it’s the "mother's milk" of edible and medicinal plants and is a humble and powerful healer.
OVERVIEW
Oat tops are considered a trophorestorative for the nervous system, meaning it has the ability to completely restore it. It’s used as a long-term tonic to nourish, rebuild and revitalize a worn down nervous system. It is especially useful in recovery from illness, weakness, overwork, poor nutrition, chronic pain, sleep deprivation, insomnia, emotional distress, or just about any circumstance that excessively stresses and depletes the nervous system.
It’s helpful for those who feel like they’re always in fight-or-flight, frozen, or on edge, and those experiencing PTSD and/or grief.
It moves deeply into the body, fortifying, revitalizing, and nourishing down to the bone.
Used as a tonic for nervous system disorders or dysfunction: I have a condition called POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), which is a dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system that effects the heart, blood pressure, brain, and many other organs and functions in the body. Historically, it was even used for fainting spells, which is common many types of dysautonomia.
Excellent for the treatment of anxiety and nervous disorders along with exhaustion and adrenal fatigue; It helps to create a feeling of safety within and around the body.
It’s known for it’s neurorestorative properties, aiding in memory and focus, as it’s both relaxing and strengthening to the mind; helping to improve concentration while easing tension.
Milky oats are considered an adaptogenic nervine. An Adaptogen helps the body deal with the physiology of stress. We all know how damaging stress is on our physical bodies, but in these times, it’s extremely hard to avoid daily stressors. Adaptogens are able to increase the threshold of resistance to damage through supporting the adrenal glands, and are capable of restoring normal tone and function to the HPA (hypothalamic/pituitary/adrenal) axis. Nourishing the adrenal glands is crucial for balancing out the production of stress hormones and improving the unwanted physical and mental effects of stress. The restorative quality of these herbs is a unique feature of herbal medicine unlike any in the pharmaceutical index.
Serves as a valuable remedy for managing ADD and ADHD, and even withdrawal from tobacco, narcotic substances and pharmaceutical medications such as anxiety medications or sleep aids.
Contains an abundance of bioavailable vitamins and minerals including iron, calcium, magnesium, silica, phosphorus, protein, chromium, and vitamins A, B complex, and C, and is considered a nutritive herb. It will surely help replenish those with nutrient deficiencies.
It acts as a woman's ally, helping to balance hormonal cycles and support through pregnancy, birth, postpartum recovery and the many stresses of mothering, while also beautifying her hair, skin, nails, and teeth, not to mention strengthening her bones. Many women also benefit from this herb during menopause.
Milky oats aid in the healing and maintenance of healthy connective tissue in the body. This is helpful in cases of EDS (Ehlers Danlos Syndrome), arthritis, joint pain or stiffness, and inflammation. Trauma and stuck energy from negative past experiences get stored within our fascia, or connective tissue. I find this fascinating that an herb so gentle can penetrate so deeply, that it can facilitate space in your body for healing all the way down to your tissues— even allowing you to more easily release trauma you may have not known you’ve held on to.
Contains blood-sugar regulating abilities through its high concentrations of oligopeptides and avenanthramides, and also provides a hypoglycemic effect which allows more efficient insulin and glucose regulation.
It helps with pains that affect the body and the mind together, and is also helpful in relieving deeper pains in the muscles and joints.
Taken over time, it will increase stamina and strength.
Strengthens the heart and reduces cholesterol.
HOW IT WORKS WITH THE BODY
CAUTIONS
Oat tops are one of the safest herbs out there with little to no contraindications. It’s safe for pregnancy, postpartum, children, and the elderly, and is safe and ideal for long-term, consistent use.
Those with severe gluten allergies or celiac are recommended to use caution when using oatstraw. (Keep in mind, most “gluten” sensitivities are actually a glyphosate problem— the chemical that is sprayed on our crops). I have gluten intolerance and tolerate these oats just fine due to the ethical growing and harvesting of the plant :)
It’s always best to try new herbs in small amounts and to consult with your physician prior to taking any new herbal supplements, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are taking any medications.
Check out our offerings that contain Oat Tops / Oatstraw:
*Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not a replacement for professional medical/health advice. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Before taking any actions based upon such information, it is encouraged to consult with the appropriate professionals. Please consult with your physician prior to the use of any herbs, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are taking any medications.